PG Nairn has unique name, big game

He was named after his father, who was originally named after legendary entertainer Lou Rawls. But Lourawls Nairn Jr. (Wichita, Kan./Sunrise Christian) won’t need to sing or act to win over college coaches. He’s blazing quick from baseline-to-baseline and extremely difficult to guard. The 2014 point guard with the most unique of names doesn’t need a nickname, but he’s got one.

Friends and recruiters alike call him “Tum Tum.” Apparently, the popular “Three Ninjas” series featured a kid by that name who could pack away food with little effort.

“I don’t know if I remember watching it, but there was a Three Ninjas movie a few years ago,” Sunrise coach Kyle Linsted said. “There was a kid on there who ate everything in sight, that’s what they called him, ‘Tum Tum.’”

Well this “Tum Tum” is on the rise. He’s going to be a high-major point guard. Most figured that out following his exploits with Spiece Mo-Kan last summer. When you have the elusive speed and quickness Nairn owns, you’re marketable.

Count Bruce Weber among those in the know as the Kansas State head coach is a frequent visitor to Sunrise Christian. “He’s Kansas State’s No. 1 guy,” Linsted said. “Bruce is here all the time for him.” Weber’s starting to notice he’s got company, too. Iowa, Wake Forest, Miami and Indiana have seen him. North Carolina called, so did Kentucky. And Texas A&M and Kansas have also been in.

“I think Kansas State has recruited him (harder) over everybody,” Linsted said.

Nairn, according to Linsted, has made strides since July. “Since the summer, you would not believe the difference in his shot. He’s starting to really shoot it now. He’s always had the speed, athleticism and toughness and now he’s shooting it.”

Nairn is not the only prospect at Sunrise Christian. Here’s a glance at why college coaches have made it a point to visit Wichita this fall.

Sunrise Christian’s other notable recruits

Forward Sebastian Saiz is locked up for Ole Miss. Saiz was a starter on the Spanish U18 National Team.

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Dave Telep

Dave Telep joined ESPN in 2010, and is the senior national basketball analyst. His college basketball scouting service is used by more than 225 colleges and numerous NBA teams. Email him at espndt@gmail.com.